Apparatus, systems and methods for limiting output volume of a media presentation device

ABSTRACT

Volume limiting systems and methods are operable to limit volume output from media presentation devices. An exemplary embodiment detects a sound using a microphone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at least one controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone is remotely located from the at least one controlled media presentation device; compares a level of the detected sound with a predefined maximum volume limit; generates a volume output limit command in response to the detected sound exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit; and communicates the volume output limit command to the media presentation device. The media presentation device then reduces a volume level of its audio output. In some instances, volume may be limited during user specified periods.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/262,491, filed Sep. 12, 2016, published as U.S. Publication No.2016/0378430, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIMITINGOUTPUT VOLUME OF A MEDIA PRESENTATION DEVICE,” and granted as U.S. Pat.No. 9,996,313 on Jun. 12, 2018, which is a Divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/673,235, filed Mar. 30, 2015, published as U.S.Publication No. 2015/0205576, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR LIMITING OUTPUT VOLUME OF A MEDIA PRESENTATION DEVICE,” and grantedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,442,692 on Sep. 13, 2016, which is a Continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/790,638, filed May 28, 2010, published asU.S. Publication No. 2011/0293113, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR LIMITING OUTPUT VOLUME OF A MEDIA PRESENTATION DEVICE,” andgranted as U.S. Pat. No. 8,995,685 on Mar. 31, 2015, the content ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Media devices, such as a set top box, a stereo, a television, a computersystem, a game system, or the like, are configured to presentprogramming to one or more users. Such programming may contain videoinformation and audio information. In some situations, the programmingmay be an audio only type of program, such as a music channel, a musicstation, or the like.

Volume of the audio information is controlled by the user. However, itis possible for a user to increase the volume of the output audioinformation to such an extent that others may be annoyed, bothered orotherwise distracted. For example, children may wake early Saturdaymorning to watch their favorite cartoons. If the children are allowed tocontrol the media device in an unsupervised manner, the parents may notbe able to sleep in. As another example, a user may watch a movie lateat night. At times, especially if the movie is an action film withexplosions or the like, the output volume from the media presentationdevice may be so loud as to wake or disturb other members of thehousehold. As yet another example, loud music played at a late nightparty may disturb the neighbors.

Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to limit volume of a mediadevice.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of limiting volume output from media presentationdevices are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment detects a sound using amicrophone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at leastone controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone isremotely located from the at least one controlled media presentationdevice; compares a level of the detected sound with a predefined maximumvolume limit; generates a volume output limit command in response to thedetected sound exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit; andcommunicates the volume output limit command to the media presentationdevice. The media presentation device then reduces a volume level of itsaudio output. In exemplary embodiments, the volume may be limited duringuser specified periods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volumelimiter;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volume limiterimplemented in a remote control; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volume limiteroperating cooperatively with an infrared blaster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volume limiter100 implemented in a media device 102, such as, but not limited to, aset top box (STB). Embodiments of the scheduled volume limiter 100 maybe implemented in other media devices, such as, but not limited to,stereos, surround-sound receivers, radios, televisions (TVs), digitalvideo disc (DVD) players, digital video recorders (DVRs), game playingdevices, or personal computers (PCs) that are configured to output audioinformation.

Embodiments of the scheduled volume limiter 100 are configured to limitoutput volume of presented programs. Depending upon the embodiment,volume output limits may be enforced by controlling the media device102. In other situations, volume output limits may be enforced byindirectly controlling a media presentation device by controlling themedia device 102 that directly controls the media presentation device.

Volume output limits may be enforced in accordance with a user definedenforcement period. The enforcement period may be defined by schedulingspecified dates, days, times, and/or durations. Volume output limits maybe set for a single enforcement period, or may be set for re-occurringenforcement periods.

For example, parents may define a maximum volume output from thetelevision on Saturday morning from 7:00-9:00 a.m. When their childrenwake early Saturday morning to watch their favorite cartoons, volumeoutput of the television is limited for the predefined enforcementperiod during Saturday morning so that the parents may be able to sleepin without being disturbed by the loud volume of the morning cartoons.

As another example, a user may watch a movie late at night. Thescheduled volume limiter 100 could be set to limit volume output from10:00 p.m. for 8 hours. Accordingly, if the movie is an action film withexplosions or the like, the output volume is limited so that othermembers of the household are not disturbed. The scheduled volume limitcould be set in a manner such that volume output is limited during thatparticular enforcement period.

As yet another example, loud music played at a late night party thatwould otherwise disturb the neighbors could be automatically limited sothat party goers are not able to increase the volume output of thestereo system beyond some predefined volume output limit. The scheduledvolume limit could such that volume output is limited during theenforcement period every Friday and Saturday night.

The exemplary, non-limiting media device 102 comprises a program contentstream interface 104, a processor system 106, a memory 108, a programbuffer 110, an optional digital video recorder (DVR) 112, a presentationdevice interface 114, a remote interface 116, and an optional audiodetector interface 118. The memory 108 comprises portions for storing avolume output limiter module 120, one or more volume output limits 122,and the media device logic 124. In some embodiments, the volume outputlimiter module 120 and the media device logic 124 may be integratedtogether, and/or may be integrated with other logic. Other media devicesmay include some, or may omit some, of the above-described mediaprocessing components. Further, additional components not describedherein may be included in alternative embodiments.

In this non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the media device 102 providesstreamed program content 126 to one or more media presentation devices128. The presentation device interface 114 is illustrated as coupled totwo exemplary media presentation devices 128, a television (TV) 128 aand an audio device 128 b. Non-limiting examples of the audio device 128b include a stereo, a compact disk (CD) player, a radio, asurround-sound receiver, or combinations thereof.

The video portion of the streamed program content 126 is displayed onthe TV display 130 and the audio portion of the streamed program content126 is reproduced as sounds by one or more TV speakers (not shown). Thevolume output of the audio portion may be controllable at the TV 128 b,and/or may be controllable at the media device 102.

Alternatively, or additionally, the audio portion of the streamedprogram content 126 may reproduced as sounds by a plurality of speakers132 of the audio device 128 b. The volume output of the audio portionmay be controllable at the audio device 128 b, and/or may becontrollable at the media device 102.

The exemplary media device 102 is configured to receive volume outputinformation communicated from one or more audio detectors 134. Theexemplary audio detector 134 comprises a microphone 136, an optionalanalog to digital (A/D) converter 138, and an output device 140. Otheraudio detectors 134 may include some, or may omit some, of theabove-described components. Further, additional components not describedherein may be included in alternative embodiments. Any suitablemicrophone 136, an A/D converter 138, and/or an output device 140 may beused in the various embodiments.

The microphone 136 detects sounds 142 emitted from one or more of themedia presentation devices 128. The microphone 136 may also detect otherambient noises.

In an exemplary embodiment, the analog output from the microphone 136 isreceived by the optional A/D converter 138 and converted into a digitalsignal. The digital signal is received by the output device 140 and iscommunicated as audio information 144. The communicated digital audioinformation 144 is received by the audio detector interface 118 of themedia device 102. Alternatively, or additionally, the analog signal fromthe microphone 136 may be received directly by the output device 140 andcommunicated to the media device 102 as analog audio information 144.

The audio information 144 may be communicated to the media device 102using an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal medium. Insuch embodiments, the optional audio detector interface 118 isconfigured to receive infrared signals or RF signals. Alternatively, theremote interface 116 may be configured to receive the audio information144. Alternatively, or additionally, the audio detector 134 maycommunicate the audio information 144 to the media device 102 over aphysical wire, cable, or the like.

Preferably, the audio detector 134 is a portable device that may belocated and oriented in a manner such that the microphone 136 primarilydetects the sounds 142 emitted from the controlled media presentationdevices 128. For example, if the user is watching television on the TV128 a, the audio detector 134 may be located in proximity to the userand may be oriented towards the TV 128 a. Alternatively, oradditionally, the audio detector 134 may be located near a door of amedia room where the audio device 128 b is playing music so that thevolume output level can be determined at a point where the sound 142 isleaving the media room. Any suitable location and/or orientation of theaudio detector 134 may be selected so as to detect the sounds 142.

The functionality of the exemplary media device 102, here a set top box,is now broadly described. A program provider provides program contentthat is received in one or more program content streams 146. A programcontent stream 146 typically comprises a plurality of programsmultiplexed together. The one or more program content streams 146 arecommunicated to the media device 102 from a media system sourced from aremote head end facility (not shown) operated by a media provider.Non-limiting examples of such media systems include satellite systems,cable system, and the Internet. For example, if the program providerprovides programming via a satellite-based communication system, themedia device 102 is configured to receive one or more broadcastedsatellite signals detected by an antenna (not shown). Alternatively, oradditionally, the program content stream 146 can be received from one ormore different sources, such as, but not limited to, a cable system, aradio frequency (RF) communication system, another electronic device, orthe Internet.

The one or more program content streams 146 are received by the programcontent stream interface 104. One or more tuners 104 a in the programcontent stream interface 104 selectively tune to one of the programcontent streams 146 in accordance with instructions received from theprocessor system 106. The processor system 106, based upon a request fora program of interest specified by a user, parses out program contentassociated with the program of interest. The program of interest is thenassembled into a stream of video and/or audio information which may bestored by the program buffer 110 such that the program content can bestreamed out to the media presentation device, such as the TV 128 a, viathe presentation device interface 114. Alternatively, or additionally,the parsed out program content may be saved into the DVR 112 for laterpresentation.

The exemplary media device 102 is configured to receive commands from auser via a remote control 152. The remote control 152 includes one ormore controllers 154. The user, by actuating one or more of thecontrollers 154, causes the remote control 152 to generate and transmitcommands, via a wireless signal 156, to the media device 102. Thecommands control the media device 102 and/or control the mediapresentation devices 128. The wireless signal 156 may be an infraredsignal or an RF signal.

The above processes performed by the media device 102 are generallyimplemented by the processor system 106 while executing the media devicelogic 124. Thus, the media device 102 may perform a variety offunctions, including maintaining a clock, a calendar, and/or a timerthat is used by embodiments of the scheduled volume limiter 100 forscheduling of the enforcement period. The processor system 106 retrievesand executes the volume output limiter module 120 so that, during theenforcement period occurring at the predefined or specified dates,times, and/or durations, the volume output emitted from one or more ofthe media presentation devices 128 is limited.

Volume output limit parameters are set by the user. Examples of volumeoutput limit parameters include, but are not limited to, a maximumvolume limit, channel, and/or program identified by title. Enforcementparameters also define the enforcement period wherein the user specifiesa predefined or specified date, time, and/or duration. An exemplaryvolume output limit parameter may specify that the enforcement period isperiodically enforced (e.g., every Friday night from 10:00 p.m. tomidnight) or is enforced only a single time.

In an exemplary embodiment, a volume limiter electronic program guide(EPG) 150 is presented to assist the user in defining the volume outputlimit parameters. For example, the volume limiter EPG 150 may bepresented on the exemplary display 130 of the TV 128 a. The volumelimiter EPG 150 is a type of a user interface that presents a menu, or aseries of menus, that use a combination of text and symbols to indicatevolume output limit parameters choices that may be selected by the user.

The volume limiter EPG 150 is interactive with the user. The user, viatheir remote control 152, “scrolls” or “navigates” about the volumelimiter EPG 150 presented on the display 130 to select volume outputlimit parameters. When the user highlights the portion of the volumelimiter EPG 150 corresponding to a particular one of the volume outputlimit parameters, the user actuates one or more controllers 154 to causethe media device 102 to define that particular volume output limitparameter. The user specified volume output limit parameters are used todefine the volume output limit 122. Other embodiments may permitdefinition of the start time using other suitable devices.

Each volume output limit 122 is defined by a start time that denotes thestart of the enforcement period. A clock, timer or other similar timingfunction is monitored by the processor system 106.

Each volume output limit 122 is further defined by an end time orduration that denotes the end of the enforcement period. A clock, timeror other similar timing function is monitored by the processor system106 to identify the end time or expiration of the specified enforcementperiod.

Optionally, the volume output limit 122 may define a channel and/orprogram that may be subject to a volume output limit enforcement. Insome embodiments, a program EPG that presents available programmingchoices to the user may also be used to specify a selected channeland/or program that will be subject to a volume output limit. Here, theuser navigates about the program EPG, highlights a selected channeland/or program, and actuates one or more of the controllers 154 on theremote control 152 to select the channel and/or program. If a particularprogram is selected, then the start and end times for the enforcementperiod may be based upon the start and end times of the selectedprogram.

Each volume output limit 122 is further defined by a maximum volumelimit. The maximum volume limit is associated with the volume output ofthe media presentation devices 128. That is, embodiments of thescheduled volume limiter 100 are configured to limit volume output ofone or more media presentation devices 128 under the presumption thatlimiting volume output from the media presentation devices 128 willlimit the sound 142.

In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum volume limit may beinteractively defined by the user based on the current volume output ofthe controlled media presentation devices 128. For example, a test toneor sound may be presented to the user when a volume output limit 122 isbeing defined. Alternatively, the volume output of a currently presentedprogram may be used when a volume output limit 122 is being defined. Theuser may interactively adjust the volume output of the controlled mediapresentation devices 128, such as by using their remote control 152and/or volume controllers residing on the controlled media presentationdevices 128.

When the level of the test tone, the test sound, or the program sound isat a desired level, the user may actuate one of the controllers 154 onthe remote control 152, or actuate another controller, to specify thedesired maximum volume limit. That is, the embodiment receives aspecification based upon a sound level of interest determined by theuser. Then, the maximum volume limit is defined based upon the sound 142detected using the microphone 136 at substantially the time of receivingthe specification from the user. Accordingly, when the scheduled volumelimiter 100 is enforcing volume limits, the maximum volume limitspecified in the volume output limit 122 is used to generate a volumeoutput limit command that limits or otherwise adjusts the volume outputlevel of the controlled media presentation devices 128.

During the enforcement period, the audio information 144 communicated tothe media device 102 from the audio detector(s) 134 is compared with aspecified maximum volume limit of the currently enforced volume outputlimit 122. When the value of the audio information 144 exceeds themaximum volume limit, then the volume output limit command is generatedand communicated to the controlled media presentation devices 128. Thevolume output limit command changes a volume control setting of at leastone of the media presentation devices 128. Accordingly, volume of thecontrolled media presentation device 128 is reduced in accordance withthe volume output limit command.

The various embodiments may generate and communicate different types ofvolume output limit commands. One type of volume output limit command isa specified volume setting. For example, the volume output limit commandmay specify the volume setting of a particular controlled mediapresentation device 128. The volume output limit may be a specifiedvolume output level setting and/or may be a specified percentage of itsmaximum volume output setting. Here, the volume output setting isreduced to the specified maximum volume limit, and other audio levelsare correspondingly scaled down in accordance with the maximum volumelimit.

Alternatively, or additionally, the volume output limit command maycorrespond to a single incremental volume setting change for thecontrolled media presentation devices 128. For example, but not limitedto, the volume output limit command may specify an incremental volumesetting decrease of “one” such that the controlled media presentationdevice 128 reduces its current volume setting down by one increment. Forexample, the output volume setting may be changed from a current settingof “7” to a new setting of “6” for the TV 128 a. Incremental changes maybe expressed in other formats, such as by percentage increments. Forexample, but not limited to, the output volume setting may be changedfrom a current setting of “70%” to a new setting of “60%” for the TV 128a.

Alternatively, or additionally, the volume output limit command maycorrespond to a threshold volume output limit such that any volumeoutput from a controlled media presentation device 128 is clipped to thespecified volume output limit. In such embodiments, the volume output ofthe controlled media presentation device 128 is only modified byclipping any audio that has a level exceeding the specified maximumvolume limit. For example, the volume level for conversations amongactors of an action film would not be reduced. In contrast, volumelevels associated with loud explosions would be clipped to the specifiedmaximum volume limit, and would accordingly, be “muffled” or otherwiseattenuated.

When a plurality of media presentation devices 128 are controlled inaccordance with a volume output limit 122, multiple different volumeoutput limit commands may be generated and communicated to the differentmedia presentation devices 128. The specific volume output limitcommands may be unique to a particular controlled media presentationdevice 128. That is, one or more characteristics of the each volumeoutput limit command is different. For example, if the volume outputlimit command are based on digital IR signal patterns, the IR signalpatterns used to control the different media presentation devices 128may be different.

For example, it may not be known if the TV 128 a or the audio device 128b is generating the audio for a currently presented program. Upondetermining that a maximum volume limit is being exceeded, the mediadevice 102 may generate and communicate a first volume output limitcommand to the TV 128 a to reduce output volume of the TV 128 a. If theTV 128 a is not providing audio output, the volume output limit commandfor the TV 128 a will have no practical effect on the sound 142 detectedby the audio detector 134. Concurrently, a second volume output limitcommand may be generated and communicated to the audio device 128 b.Assuming that the user is watching a movie with surround sound providedby the audio device 128 b, the second volume output limit command willreduce the output volume of the audio device 128 b. Because the TV 128 aand the audio device 128 b may be built by different manufacturers orhave different remote controller designs, the first volume output limitcommand will likely be different from the second volume output limitcommand.

Adjustment of the volume output from the controlled media presentationdevices 128 may be performed on a real-time basis. For example, theremay be no particular reason to reduce the actual output volume of apresented program below a specified maximum volume limit when the sound142 is less that the enforced maximum volume limit. Embodiments may beconfigured to impose enforcement only when the detected sound 142exceeds the maximum volume limit. At other times, volume output limitenforcement is not imposed on the media presentation devices 128.

Some embodiments may be configured to enforce a volume output limitbased upon a detected peak value of the sound 142. Alternatively, oradditionally, embodiments may be configured to enforce a volume outputlimit based upon a rolling average of peak sound levels over somepredefined duration. In such embodiments, the occasional and/orinfrequent “extra loud” peak in the detected sound 142 may not result ina reduction of the volume output of the controlled media presentationdevices 128 based on the occasional or infrequent peak sound levels.

Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments may be configured toincrease output volume of the media presentation devices 128 so as toincrease the level of the sound 142 up to the specified maximum volumelimit, or up to a second specified limit (thus defining a range for thelevel of the sound 142). For example, the user may be watching an actionfilm with loud explosions. Embodiments may act to limit volume outputduring the explosions. However, to allow the user to hear conversationsduring less loud portions of the action movie, embodiments may detectthe sound 142 at such times and increase the volume output of the mediapresentation devices 128 accordingly.

Some embodiments may enforce a maximum volume limit for a predefinedduration. In an action movie with loud explosions, the very loud scenesmay last a relatively long period of time. Accordingly, some embodimentsmay be configured to, based on a peak level of the detected sound 142,determine a volume output limit command that is enforced for apredefined duration, such as five minutes or the like. Then, a newvolume output limit command may be determined based on a currentlydetected peak level of the sound 142. If the explosions are continuing,the new volume output limit command could be the same as the previousvolume output limit command. On the other hand, if the scene with theexplosions has concluded, the second volume output limit command wouldpermit a higher output volume setting at the controlled mediapresentation devices 128.

Some embodiments may be configured to adjust the volume output limitcommand after the level of the detected sound 142 decreases below asecond predefined level for a predefined duration. For example, when theaction movie presents the scenes with the loud explosions, a firstvolume output limit command may be determined so as to limit the sound142 during that particular scene. Once the explosions in that sceneends, the attendant volume output decreases. That is, the loud peaksounds associated with the explosions are no longer being detected.After the predefined duration, assuming no other peak sound levels aredetected during the predefined duration, enforcement of the volumeoutput limit is released. Accordingly, the volume setting of thecontrolled media presentation devices 128 may be increased. Thus, asecond volume output limit command would be determined to permit ahigher output volume setting of the controlled media presentationdevices 128.

An anticipated difficulty with controlling output volume on a real-timebasis is the potential effect of ambient noise that is detected by theaudio detectors 134. That is, in addition to the output volume of themedia presentation devices 128, ambient noise may also affect the soundlevel of the detected sound 142. In some situations, the ambient noiselevel may be higher than the output volume of the controlled mediapresentation devices 128. It would not necessarily be desirable tofurther reduce the volume output setting of the controlled mediapresentation devices 128 based upon detection of the loud ambient noisesince such volume output limit changes would not significantly reducethe level of the detected sound 142 (as the ambient noise level is thepredominant source of the detected sound 142).

Some embodiments may be configured to differentiate between the outputvolume of the controlled media presentation devices 128 and the volumelevel of any present ambient noise. For example, multiple audiodetectors 134 may be positioned and oriented about the media room.Differences between the audio information 144 received from thedifferent ones of the audio detectors 134 may be compared to moreaccurately determine the volume output of the controlled mediapresentation devices 128. Then, volume output limit command can bedetermined for the controlled media presentation devices 128.

Some embodiments may employ a directional type of microphone 136. Here,the directional microphone 136 in the audio detector 134 would belocated and oriented to substantially detect volume output from thecontrolled media presentation device 128. Detection of ambient noisewould be reduced since the sources of ambient noise would likely beoutside of the direction and/or detection range of the directionalmicrophone 136.

On the other hand, it may be desirable to reduce the volume output ofthe controlled media presentation devices 128 even when loud ambientnoise is present. Some embodiments are configured to reduce volumeoutput of the controlled media presentation devices 128 even when theambient noise is the predominant source of the peak value of the sound142. For example, children may be watching cartoons early Saturdaymorning. At times, the children may also be making loud noises. If thevolume output of the controlled media presentation devices 128 isreduced, the children may realize that they need to quiet themselves ifthey want to continue hearing the audio portion of their cartoon. Asanother example, partygoers attending a late night party may realizethat they need to lower their voices if they want to listen to theirmusic.

Some embodiments may be configured to define a first volume output limitparameter based on the level of the detected sound 142 that includesloud ambient noise. A second volume output limit 122 may be defined thatdifferentiates between ambient noise and the output volume of thecontrolled media presentation devices 128. Accordingly, the user hasflexibility to tailor a volume output limit 122 based upon particularpresentation circumstances.

Some embodiments may be configured to notify the user that volume outputof the controlled media presentation devices 128 is currently beinglimited. An exemplary embodiment generates a visual volume limiternotification 148 that is presented to the user, such as on the display130 of the TV 128 a. Any suitable text message and/or graphical icon maybe used in a presented visual volume limiter notification 148.Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments may be configured togenerate an audible volume limiter notification corresponding to aunique tone or sound. The audible volume limiter notification may beoutput from the controlled media presentation devices 128.

Based on the defined end time and/or the defined enforcement periodspecified in a volume output limit 122, enforcement of the volume outputlimit concludes at the defined end time and/or the defined duration.When the volume output limit enforcement concludes, volume controlsettings of the controlled media presentation devices 128 may be left attheir current settings. Alternatively, the volume control settings ofthe controlled media presentation devices 128 may be changed back to theprevious volume output setting in effect prior to the start of theenforcement period.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volume limiter100 implemented in an exemplary remote control 152. The remote control152 comprises the microphone 136, a processor system 202, an infrared(IR) transmitter 204, an optional IR receiver 206, and a memory 208. Insome embodiments, the volume output limiter module 120 resides in thememory 208 of the remote control 152. Additionally, or alternatively,one or more volume output limits 122 may be stored in the memory 208.

The microphone 136 residing in the remote control 152 detects sounds 142corresponding to the volume output of the controlled media presentationdevices 128. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 202 processesinformation corresponding to the detected sound 142, and generates an IRsignal 210 that is communicated to the media device 102 for enforcementof the current volume output limit 122.

In an alternative embodiment, the processor system 202 may execute thevolume output limiter module 120 to compare the detected sound 142 tothe maximum volume limit. The maximum volume limit may reside on thelocal volume output limit 122 stored in the memory 208 of the remotecontrol 152. The processor 202 may then generate the volume output limitcommand, which corresponds to a volume change command or code thatalready is implemented in the remote control 152 for controlling audiolevels. The generated volume output limit command can then becommunicated to the media device 102 to enforce the current volumeoutput limit 122.

Some embodiments of the remote control 152 may be configured to directlyoperate the controlled media presentation devices 128, thus optionallybypassing the media device 102. Such universal type remote controls 152are configured to emulate the remote control commands generated by avariety of remote controls each associated with a particular differentmedia presentation device 128. Volume control codes are readilyavailable within the remote control 152 for adjusting volume output ofthe various controlled media presentation devices 128. For example, whenoperating in a first mode, the remote control 152 may be configured togenerate and communicate a volume output limit command that directlycontrols the TV 128 a. When operating in a second mode, the remotecontrol 152 may be reconfigured to generate and communicate a volumeoutput limit command that directly controls the audio device 128 b.

In alternative embodiments, the maximum volume limit may be retrievedfrom the local volume output limit 122 stored in the media device 102and communicated back to the optional IR receiver 206. The remotecontrol 152 may then generate and transmit a suitable volume outputlimit command 212 to change the volume control setting of the controlledmedia presentation devices 128 in accordance with the volume outputlimit 122. Alternatively, a volume output limit command may be generatedby the media device 102 and then communicated to the remote control 152.

In other embodiments, the remote control 152 communicates using RFsignals or another suitable wireless medium. Accordingly, thetransmitter and the optional receiver may be suitable RF or otherwireless media devices. Further, since a universal type remote control152 is configured to control a variety of different media presentationdevices 128, the transmitter and the optional receiver may be suitableRF or other wireless media devices may be included along with the IRtransmitter 204 and the optional IR receiver 206.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a scheduled volume limiter100 operating cooperatively with an infrared (IR) blaster 302. The IRblaster 302 is a communication device that is configured to emulate theremote control commands generated by a variety of remote controls eachassociated with a particular different media presentation device 128.For example, when operating in a first mode, the IR blaster 302 maydirectly control the TV 128 a. When operating in a second mode, the IRblaster 302 may directly control the audio device 128 b. Accordingly,volume control codes are readily available within the IR blaster 302 foradjusting volume output of the various controlled media presentationdevices 128.

In an exemplary embodiment, the audio detector 134 further comprises aprocessor system 304 and a memory 306. The volume output limiter module120 resides in the memory 306 of the remote control 152. Additionally,or alternatively, one or more volume output limits 122 may be stored inthe memory 306. The audio detector 134 generates the volume output limitcommand based upon the detected sound 142. The volume output limitcommand is communicated to the IR blaster 302 as the audio information144. The IR blaster 302 generates and communicates suitable volumeoutput control signals to the controlled media presentation devices 128.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thescheduled volume limiter 100 are merely possible examples ofimplementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications maybe made to the above-described embodiments. For example, but not limitedto, the audio detector 134 may be implemented as a component of themedia device 102. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected bythe following claims.

1. A method for limiting volume output from media presentation devices, the method comprising: receiving a user selection of a predefined duration, wherein volume output limit commands are enforced only during the predefined duration; detecting a sound using a microphone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at least one controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone is remotely located from the at least one controlled media presentation device; comparing peak levels of detected sounds with a predefined maximum volume limit; determining a first volume limit equal to a difference between a first peak level of the detected sounds and the predefined maximum volume limit; generating a first volume output limit command in response to the first peak level of the detected sounds exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the first volume output limit command adjusts audio output volumes of the media presentation devices by an amount equal to the determined first volume limit; ending the generation of the first volume output limit command upon expiration of the predefined duration, wherein the predefined duration begins at a time of detection of the first peak level of the detected sounds, and wherein the audio output volumes of the controlled media presentation device are no longer limited; continue comparing the peak levels of the detected sounds with the predefined maximum volume limit after expiration of the predefined duration; determining a second volume limit equal to a difference between a second peak level of the detected sounds and the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the second peak level of the detected sounds is detected after expiration of the predefined duration; generating a second volume output limit command in response to the second peak level of the detected sounds exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the second volume output limit command adjusts the audio output volumes of the media presentation devices by an amount equal to the determined second volume limit; and ending the generation of the second volume output limit command upon expiration of the predefined duration, wherein the predefined duration begins at the time of detection of the second peak level of the detected sounds, and wherein the audio output volumes of the controlled media presentation device are no longer limited.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a start time and an end time of an enforcement period, wherein communicating the first and the second volume output limit commands occur only during the enforcement period.
 3. A method for limiting volume output from media presentation devices, the method comprising: receiving a user selection of a predefined duration, wherein volume output limit commands are enforced only during the predefined duration; detecting only during the predefined duration a sound using a microphone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at least one controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone is remotely located from the at least one controlled media presentation device; comparing peak levels of the detected sounds with a predefined maximum volume limit associated with the predefined duration; determining a volume limit equal to a difference between the peak level of the detected sounds and the predefined maximum volume limit; generating a volume output limit command in response to the peak level of the detected sounds exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the volume output limit command adjusts audio output volumes of the media presentation devices by an amount equal to the determined first volume limit.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the peak level is a first peak level of the detected sounds, and further comprising: ending generation of the volume output limit command upon expiration of the predefined duration, wherein the predefined duration begins at a time of detection of the first peak level of the detected sounds, and wherein the audio output volumes of the controlled media presentation device are no longer limited; continue comparing the peak levels of the detected sounds with the predefined maximum volume limit after expiration of the predefined duration; determining a second volume limit equal to a difference between a second peak level of the detected sounds and the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the second peak level of the detected sounds is detected after expiration of the predefined duration; generating a new volume output limit command in response to the second peak level of the detected sounds exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit, wherein the new volume output limit command adjusts the audio output volumes of the media presentation devices by an amount equal to the determined new volume limit; and ending the generation of the second volume output limit command upon expiration of the predefined duration, wherein the predefined duration begins at the time of detection of the second peak level of the detected sounds, and wherein the audio output volumes of the controlled media presentation device are no longer limited. 